THE FLOWERS THAT GROW FROM CONCRETE

The Flowers that Grow from Concrete was a campaign exploring and giving insight into the experiences and views of young asylum seekers and refugees living in London.

The campaign, and the exhibition held at the end of the process, expressed the trials, journeys and aspirations of young people forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in the UK whilst withstanding the daily struggles they face to survive. The campaign explored young peoples experiences of the asylum process including issues of age assessments, age of transition, education, employment, social perceptions and social support. The exhibition created space for young asylum seekers and refugees to have a voice and express their ideas and opinions about issues that affect their lives.

The campaign involved working with Queen Mary University of London, talking to local councillors and MPs and creating poetry, radio shows and pieces of artwork to communicate the experience of living in London as a young asylum seeker. The exhibition highlighted the thoughts, barriers, hopes and journeys of young people.

Brighter Futures invited Members of Parliament, policy-makers, the media, employers, service providers and other young people to the exhibition to engage with the thoughts and feelings of young people themselves.